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18/04/2005
Over 1,200 attacks on NI fire crews, FBU reveal
Official figures have revealed that there have been 1,200 attacks on fire crews in Northern Ireland over the last three years, with serious concerns that the problem is being underplayed.
New UK wide research carried out for the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) and released on Monday showed that there are 40 attacks on UK fire crews every week.
FBU general secretary Andy Gilchrist said the number and ferocity of the attacks appeared to be getting worse.
“The causes appear complex and we need more than knee-jerk reaction headlines calling for ‘crackdowns’,” he said. “Many attacks are in deprived areas with poor youth facilities and poor housing, where bored young people turn to drugs and alcohol.
“But they happen in many other types of areas which are neither poor nor deprived. There is no quick-fix solution but we need to start with a properly resourced, national strategy rather than it being left to cash-strapped local fire services.”
Some of the attacks highlighted in today’s report include: scaffolding poles being thrown through windscreens of fire engines; crews being attacked with concrete blocks, bricks and bottles; being shot at; spat at; equipment tampered with or stolen; direct physical assaults on fire crews; and equipment being urinated on.
Official statistics show that attacks are now running at about 2,000 a year, but the FBU and the brigades contacted during the research said that there was now a serious problem of under-reporting.
(MB/GB)
New UK wide research carried out for the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) and released on Monday showed that there are 40 attacks on UK fire crews every week.
FBU general secretary Andy Gilchrist said the number and ferocity of the attacks appeared to be getting worse.
“The causes appear complex and we need more than knee-jerk reaction headlines calling for ‘crackdowns’,” he said. “Many attacks are in deprived areas with poor youth facilities and poor housing, where bored young people turn to drugs and alcohol.
“But they happen in many other types of areas which are neither poor nor deprived. There is no quick-fix solution but we need to start with a properly resourced, national strategy rather than it being left to cash-strapped local fire services.”
Some of the attacks highlighted in today’s report include: scaffolding poles being thrown through windscreens of fire engines; crews being attacked with concrete blocks, bricks and bottles; being shot at; spat at; equipment tampered with or stolen; direct physical assaults on fire crews; and equipment being urinated on.
Official statistics show that attacks are now running at about 2,000 a year, but the FBU and the brigades contacted during the research said that there was now a serious problem of under-reporting.
(MB/GB)
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Motorist dies in Co Armagh school bus crash
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11 August 2008
Minister Condemns Attacks On Fire Crews
Attacks on fire crews place their lives in danger and put communities at risk, said Public Safety Minister Michael McGimpsey today. Condemning a further spate of attacks on firefighters in Dungannon and Londonderry over the weekend, the Minister said it was absolutely unacceptable for anyone to assault emergency workers.
Minister Condemns Attacks On Fire Crews
Attacks on fire crews place their lives in danger and put communities at risk, said Public Safety Minister Michael McGimpsey today. Condemning a further spate of attacks on firefighters in Dungannon and Londonderry over the weekend, the Minister said it was absolutely unacceptable for anyone to assault emergency workers.
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ASSEMBLY CREATE AWARD TO HONOUR FIRE SERVICE
THE Northern Ireland Fire Service is to receive the first ever award given by the province's devolved assembly. An illuminated scroll is to be presented to Chief Fire Officer John McClelland on Tuesday, by assembly speaker Lord Alderdice in tribute to the sacrifice made by fire fighters over the years.
ASSEMBLY CREATE AWARD TO HONOUR FIRE SERVICE
THE Northern Ireland Fire Service is to receive the first ever award given by the province's devolved assembly. An illuminated scroll is to be presented to Chief Fire Officer John McClelland on Tuesday, by assembly speaker Lord Alderdice in tribute to the sacrifice made by fire fighters over the years.
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Pitbull dog attacks fire crews
Police are appealing for information after fire crews came under attack from a pitbull dog in Co Tyrone on Monday. Despite having to deal with the blaze at a house in Windmill Drive in Dungannon at around 1.15am, the firefighters were forced to turn a hose on the animal, after it was let off a leash by its owner.
Pitbull dog attacks fire crews
Police are appealing for information after fire crews came under attack from a pitbull dog in Co Tyrone on Monday. Despite having to deal with the blaze at a house in Windmill Drive in Dungannon at around 1.15am, the firefighters were forced to turn a hose on the animal, after it was let off a leash by its owner.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
